Demographic disparities of children presenting with symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum in children's hospitals

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
04:55

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children

Published on: September 11, 2018

10.4K

Hanna Alemayehu1, Matt Hall, Amita A Desai

  • 1Section of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Children's Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.

Pediatric Surgery International
|May 10, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is more common in males and White children. This large-scale study analyzed pediatric hospital data to understand MD epidemiology and demographics.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Epidemiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Existing Meckel's diverticulum (MD) literature primarily comprises single-center case series.
  • Large-scale epidemiological data on pediatric Meckel's diverticulum is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology of symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum (MD) in a large, geographically diverse pediatric population.
  • To identify demographic factors, including age, gender, and race, associated with symptomatic MD in children.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database for a 9-year period.
  • Included de-identified patients with ICD-9 diagnoses of MD and Meckel's diverticulectomy procedure codes.
  • Excluded data from five hospitals due to incomplete information.

Main Results:

  • Analyzed 4,338,396 pediatric admissions, identifying 945 cases of symptomatic MD.
  • Symptomatic MD incidence decreased with age, with 56.4% of cases in children under 5.
  • Males (74%) and Caucasians (63.4%) were significantly over-represented in the symptomatic MD group compared to the general pediatric population.

Conclusions:

  • Symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum demonstrates significant gender and racial predilections.
  • Males and non-Hispanic White children present more frequently with symptomatic MD.
  • Non-Hispanic Black children were less commonly diagnosed with symptomatic MD.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Surgical Management of Meatal Stenosis with Meatoplasty04:53

Surgical Management of Meatal Stenosis with Meatoplasty

Published on: November 30, 2010

55.2K
Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates08:32

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Published on: February 17, 2023

1.7K

Related Concept Videos

Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...
35
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
1.1K
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
963
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
4.4K
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
1.1K
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
29